At Eagle's Nest Bluff in Lowden State Park, proudly stands a 48-foot statue of a Native American quietly revering the beauty of the River Rock Valley below. Commonly called Black Hawk, after the legendary Chieftain, the statue was created as a tribute to all the Native Americans who once called the area their home.

Castle Rock State Park is located three miles south of Oregon on Highway 2. The 2,000-acre park includes rock formations, ravines, and unique northern plant associations. In one valley, 27 different types of ferns have been identified. A sandstone bluff, adjacent to the river, has given the park its name. Picnic area amenities include tables, shelters, grills, toilets, drinking water and playground equipment. Six miles of marked hiking trails have been developed, and a public boat ramp/parking facility is located across from the park's main entrance.

One of the most picturesque sites along the Rock River is just north of Oregon in Ogle County. The bluffs are graced with a majestic image of an American Indian gazing over the Rock River Valley. This is no ordinary statue. It is a 50 foot, concrete-reinforced wonder that is awe-inspiring. A tribute to all Native Americans, but more commonly associated with Chief Black Hawk, the statue was designed by sculptor Lorado Taft. You can enjoy many wonderful views of the Rock River from the park, but the best view of the statue is from IL Rt. 2.

Malta is home to the "first seedling mile" on the Lincoln Highway. As one of the 16 Interpretive Gazebos located along the Lincoln Highway, the Malta gazebo offers a unique way for visitors to enjoy stories of the early Lincoln Highway and its Illinois communities.

Nestled in the Rock River Valley, just 3 miles south of the town of Oregon, lies a 2,291-acre wooded area that is one of Ogle County's most beautiful and historic sites. Its scenic qualities come from 120-foot bluffs along 3.5 miles of riverfront forested with hardwood and pine trees. The history stems from the individual who, in the early part of the 20th century, augmented the natural hardwood forest by planting pines. Frank O. Lowden (1861-1943), Illinois' governor from 1917-1921, ardently embraced proper land use and strongly believed in reforestation as a way to retard soil erosion. Over several decades, an estimated 500,000 trees were seeded directly by him or under his supervision.

Shabbona Lake State Park has 1,550 acres of rolling prairie and features a 318 acre man-made fishing lake. Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area provides a convenient, natural haven from the hustle and bustle of daily life. With facilities for picnicking, camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and winter sports, Shabbona Lake is a convenient and comfortable retreat where you can refresh and reinvigorate yourself in a rare, unspoiled environment.

The Kable House Country Inn Bed and Breakfast is beautifully situated on a nine acre site atop Sunset Hill and surrounded by the Sunset Golf Course in Mt. Morris; part of the Blackhawk Waterways region, stretching from the Rock River to the Mississippi and offering a multitude of recreational activities. They offer five suites with continental breakfast served in the privacy of your suite. Situated less than fifteen minutes from three state parks: Castle Rock, Lowden and the popular White Pines State Park which offer picnic areas, miles of hiking and a log cabin lodge for dining, also featuring a dinner theater.

Jump with the best skydiving school in the United States - Chicagoland Skydiving Center now located at Koritz Field in Rochelle! Come see why more people from the Chicago area choose tandem skydiving at CSC. We service more first-time skydivers than any other skydiving center in Chicago and the Midwest. At CSC, our priority is on safety and customer service. Check out our skydive center and book your tandem parachute jump online. Chicagoland Skydiving Center in Rochelle, Illinois (formerly in Hinckley, IL) is your safest source for skydiving - period! Check out our brand new skydive aircraft and see how we maintain our safety record and reputation as the BEST!

Blue Goose Run is the perfect farm setting for an outdoor wedding, family or class reunion, corporate or business meetings, and baby or bridal showers. Visit the Machine Shed Gift Shop and Corn Crib Restaurant.

The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition has produced Interpretive Murals along the Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway and its corridor in northern Illinois. The Malta mural depicts the history, heritage, and events of the highway and its impact in Malta and on the communities in Illinois.

Offers boat access to the Rock River, with a 50-ft. renovated boat launch. During the summer season, offers boat gas, concessions, paddleboat/rowboat/canoe rentals as well as 2 large shelters for family reunions and parties,

Our 18-hole golf course provides a serene backdrop to many of the course's lush fairways and manicured greens. There is a practice bunker, chipping-putting greens and well-equipped pro shop. Private and group lessons available from our PGA Professional. Clubhouse restaurant serves lunch and dinner from 11am–9pm.

The Amboy Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary is 272 acre of wetlands offering a rare and fragile ecosystem, which includes endangered turtles, many birds and unique plant life. It is located near the intersection of U.S. Route 52 and Mormon Road about 3 miles south of Amboy. Open to the public 7 days a week for walking and bird-watching. No dogs are allowed due to sensitive plant and wildlife.

Green River is the best remaining example of the wetland-prairie mosaic that once covered the area's nearly 1 million acres of lowlands. This multiple-use site provides hunting, hiking, and birding opportunities.

Developed by local volunteers, it offers scenic trails, horseback riding, fishing, and limited hunting. The site contains the historic Franklin Creek Grist Mill and a 180-acre dedicated nature preserve.

Five acres of walking paths, water gardens, a green house, five-hole miniture golf, swings, and gardens were all designed and maintained by the developmentally disabled clients of the Rock River Valley Self Help Enterprises.

More than a campground, hit a golf ball, take a golf lesson, catch a fish or hayrack ride, swim, dance, hike row/paddle a boat, play basketball, horseshoes, video games and pool or kickback with a campfire. We have 130 acres to do it all.

For those with an urge to explore a genuine Illinois prairie, this ride takes you past one of the largest pieces of preserved prairie in the state. The Rock River Cruise is 34.7-miles of moderate difficulty, with a few small climbs along the way. Stop off and visit some of the many attractions along the way, including the John Deere Historic Site and the charming town of Oregon.

The Fairways Golf Course is a serene 18-hole golf course designed by Perry Maxwell, ASGCA, which is open to the public and cherished by those in the Rochelle area since 1929. We are host to immaculate tree-lined fairways and an exceptional restaurant, Beacon on The Green, for lunch, dinners and banquets.